Essentially One: Striving for the Unity That God Loves

Across the barriers of race, class, culture and denomination, Christians are united through the transforming power of the gospel of grace. Yet instead of walls dismantled and alienations healed, churches are often characterised by ugly division, narrow tribalism and painful fragmentation.

In a world characterised by growing social division, hostile identity politics and polarised cyber tribes – all compounded by shrill voices on social media – the author unfolds the profound biblical vision of true unity, founded on the redemptive purposes of God to create a single new humanity.

This book provides crucial help for handling differences and overcoming division, calling for attitudes and behaviour that portray Christ-like character and reflect true Christian community. Applying key biblical texts, it addresses practical issues of handling conflict, managing change, using words wisely, avoiding tribalism, strengthening partnerships and building counter-cultural community in the local church. Urging us to make every effort to promote godly unity, this is a thoughtful yet passionate call to remember that we are essentially one – for the sake of God’s honour and the credibility of our Christian witness in a fractured world.

CONTENTS

1. Christians United, Acts 10
2. God’s mission, Ephesians 4
3. One new humanity, Ephesians 2
4. Heart of unity, John 17
5. First things first, Acts 15
6. Living with difference, Romans 14 & 15
7. Christian incorporated, Romans 12
8. Managing conflict, Philippians 4
9. Productive change, Acts 6
10. Division & discipline, 2 Peter 2
11. One in mind and heart, Philippians 1 & 2
12. Mind your language, James 3
13. Unity in the local church, Acts 2
14. No more tribalism, Galatians 3
15. Working together, Philippians 1
16. One hope, Revelation

ISBN: 9781783599110
Producer: IVP UK
Dimensions: 138 x 216 mm
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 220
Release Date: 18.06.2020